Basic HTML Version
1 Samuel 1:9-20
Psalm 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19
Mark 1:21-28 or 1 Samuel 1:1-8 AND 1:9-20
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD
Mark1:14-20 AND 1:21-28
Summary
In Samuel, Hannah pours out her unhappiness to the Lord about be-
ing childless and, in so doing, receives a blessing from Eli, the priest,
that her desire will be fulfilled. The Psalm is a "sacrifice of praise" to
the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals a "new teaching with authority"
as he commands "even" unclean spirits to obey him
Reflection
In our readings today, the essence of each story occurs in a place of
worship and in the presence of others. And, all of them are con-
cerned with the "heart's desires", intently expressed, and laying the
petitioner's soul "on the line" with a life-changing vow or a life-
changing challenge.
In Samuel, Hannah pleads for the gift of her heart's desire so that she
may, in return, give that gift to the Lord. Think about this for a mo-
ment: asking for the gift of a gift to offer to God! That is like asking
for the next breath so that one can sing God's praises. And that is
exactly what the psalmist does. This is all about making a "return" to
the Lord.